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As a home cook passionate about Asian cuisine, you know that the secret to truly authentic flavour often lies in the details. A splash of the right sauce, a pinch of a specific spice or a drizzle of a particular oil can transform a good dish into a great one. Toasted sesame oil is one of those transformative ingredients. Its deep, nutty and aromatic profile is essential for everything from a classic Korean bibimbap sauce to a simple noodle dressing.
However, navigating the options can be confusing. With terms like 'pure', 'blended', 'Korean' and 'premium' on the labels, how do you choose the right one for your culinary needs? This guide is designed to help you understand the key differences and make an informed choice, ensuring the toasted sesame oil you select brings that authentic, rich flavour to your kitchen.
Before we look at specific products, let's cover a few key points that will help you select the right sesame oil for cooking.
One of the most important distinctions is between 100% pure sesame oil and blended oils.
bulgogi marinade or as a finishing drizzle—a pure sesame oil is typically the preferred choice.Toasted sesame oil has a relatively low smoke point, meaning it can burn and turn bitter at high temperatures. Because of this, it's generally not used as the primary stir fry oil for high-heat cooking.
aromatic sesame oil. A small amount drizzled over a dish just before serving—like on noodles, soups or steamed vegetables—adds a powerful burst of flavour and aroma.While sesame oil is a staple across Asia, Korean sesame oil is often particularly prized for its deep, rich and nutty character. It is traditionally made from carefully selected and roasted sesame seeds, resulting in a robust flavour that is considered a hallmark of authentic Korean cooking. If you are aiming to replicate dishes like japchae or kimchi jjigae, opting for an oil specifically labelled as Korean sesame oil can make a noticeable difference.
Here are a few standout options available in the UK, selected to suit different culinary purposes and preferences.
This oil from bibigo is a 100% pure sesame oil made in South Korea, designed to deliver an authentic taste for traditional Korean dishes. Its rich, toasted aroma and deep nutty flavour are a direct result of using high-quality sesame seeds and traditional processing methods.
finishing oil for drizzling over dishes, as well as a key ingredient in marinades and dipping sauces.Home cooks and food enthusiasts dedicated to creating authentic Korean meals who want an uncompromising, high-quality Korean sesame oil as a staple in their pantry.
From the well-established brand Lee Kum Kee, this is another 100% pure sesame oil. It is made from roasted sesame seeds and offers a rich, aromatic fragrance that enhances a wide variety of Asian sesame oil applications, from Chinese to Southeast Asian dishes.
Cooks looking for a versatile and reliable pure sesame oil that performs well across a broad range of Asian recipes, not just limited to one specific cuisine.
This product is different from the others as it is a blended oil, containing 50% sesame oil and 50% soybean oil. This blend results in a milder sesame flavour, which can be desirable in certain contexts. It offers a more subtle nutty note and is a more economical option.
Those who prefer a more subtle sesame flavour in their cooking or are looking for an affordable option for everyday use where an intense, pure sesame aroma is not the primary goal.
Our recommendations cover a range of uses, from authentic Korean cooking to everyday flavour enhancement. If you're looking for different sizes, brands or types of oil, there are many more to discover. Browse our full collection to find the perfect match for your pantry.
Discover our entire seasoning sesame oil category
Toasted sesame oil is made from sesame seeds that have been roasted before pressing. This roasting process gives the oil its characteristic dark colour and rich, nutty, aromatic sesame oil flavour. Regular (or cold-pressed) sesame oil is made from raw, un-toasted seeds. It is much lighter in colour and has a very mild, neutral flavour, making it more suitable as a general-purpose cooking oil.
It is generally not recommended. Toasted sesame oil has a low smoke point, which means it can burn easily at high temperatures, resulting in a bitter taste. It is best used as a finishing oil drizzled over dishes after cooking or added at the very end of the cooking process for flavour.
To preserve its flavour and prevent it from going rancid, store your toasted sesame oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like the hob. After opening, sealing the bottle tightly is crucial. Some people prefer to refrigerate it to further extend its shelf life, especially if it is used infrequently. Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions.